"Let's defile the name and meaning of this music which at one time stood for something profound, but which is now merely a fashion statement dominating the list of things daddy needs to buy me for my thirteenth birthday."

"Hey, remember when punk rock meant something? No. Hey, let's give all our money to some twenty-something cokehead who lives with his parents and works in a trendy store which fills the pockets of some fat middle-aged man in a bad suit and a Ferrari."

"Hot Topic: Where slandering the punk scene is cool."

"Hot Topic: We kill punk with designer plaid pants."

"Hot Topic: We sell Clash shirts, even though the Clash would have kicked our asses."

"Hot Topic: Because even Operation Ivy turned into Rancid and then the Transplants, who sell thier songs to a shampoo company"

"Hot Topic: Because AFI used to be a hardcore band, but now are goth gods for eleventeen-year-olds."

A store that's gotten such a bad rap that you actually CAN be a nonconformist by shopping there because so many people hate it. A true non-conformist shops wherever the hell he/she wants to shop (including Hot Topic)not giving a shit what anyone says about the store. Now that's what I call non-conformity... (and about the prices, it's called a CLEARANCE RACK; novel concept, huh?)

For a truly original look, wear shoes from Target, jeans from Cost-co, shirt from American Eagle, wristband and wallet-chain from Hot Topic, and a hat from Good Will. Of course, by the the time people read this it won't be original anymore. Do what any sensible person does and set your OWN styles (though some douche-bag will say THAT'S conforming because other people do it; what-the-fuck-ever...)

A store with goth/punk-esque attire. In most cases, a lot of the merchandise is overpriced, but I still shop there occasionally. A lot of people don't like it, because they think everyone who shops there wants to be a "rebel", goth, punk, or any other preferred label of your choice, but some people shop there because they like the clothes at Hot Topic better than clothes at other stores (i.e. Abercrombie, Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic, etc.).

On a side not, people who argue over or make fun of Hot Topic and it's shoppers need to get a life or a hobby. Fast.

Just read this. actually listen to an opinion...Hot Topic. one of the best stores ever. but...I hate people who go there just to "fit in by standing out" it's a contradiction which is completely and udderly stupid. I, myself love hot topic and most of the clothes and accessories they carry. It's one of the only stores that actually carries band T-Shirts. I wear it because I want to, not becuase I want to fit in or be like everyone else. I shop at all kinds of stores, if i like it, i buy it, i don't try to be someone I'm not. Everyone should just try to be themselves, the world would be a lot less screwed up. I may sound mean, or judgemental but I don't like people who act a certain way with one group of people and a different way with different people. They're like sponges, they absorb the attitude around them when they should be able to be themselves around their "friends"

my advice: Dress how you want to dress. don't care what people think of you. be who you are, not what others want you to be.

(and i actually heard this conversation at the mall, i was like, go girl 2. rofl.)

girl 1: Did you see that girl shopping at hot topic?

girl 2: yeah, so...

girl 1: she's such a poser, she shops at american eagle and hot topic. she's just weird...

girl 2: and why can't she shop at both stores? do you even know that girl? she's really nice and down to earth. You don't know her or her style, she's herself, you should try that for once. just stop judging people for a minute and get a fricken life.

A store...Preps, goths, normal people, rednecks, etc. shop there. Going to the store does not stereotype you. Every1 on here that thinks so is just as bad as a fucking prep. I personally think hot topics prices suck balls and they've sold out over the years, going softer and softer.